The City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation directorate has advised that various areas will experience water supply disruptions this week as the team conducts planned work on its water supply infrastructure.
Residents in affected areas are advised that water supplies may be disrupted and are encouraged to plan ahead for alternative water supply arrangements during this time.
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The following areas will be affected:
Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments:
Plumstead and Wynberg
The directorate said conditional assessments are currently being done on the water supply network in these areas and will continue until Thursday, 30 November. This will result in the possibility of lower-than-usual pressure experienced for up to 1.5 hours during the day in some parts as the assessments progress.
The City explained that conditional testing, on the other hand, ensures that the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network are operating effectively and managing the pressures at the determined settings to preserve the lifespan of the pipeline and reduce the occurrence of water wastage resulting from pipe bursts.
As a result, some residents may experience pressure fluctuations. The City added that pressure fluctuations will be minimised as much as possible.
Lynn’s View (lower area), Somerset West
- Tuesday, 31 October, from 9pm until 4am on Wednesday, 1 November
Zero-pressure testing will be conducted on the water supply network in these areas.
Hout Bay, Scott Estate, Chapman’s Peak and Baviaanskloof
- Tuesday, 31 October, from 9pm until 4am on Wednesday, 1 November
Zero-pressure testing will be conducted on the water supply network in these areas
Die Wingerd, Greenway Rise, Stuart’s Hill, Martinville (Bizweni – Somerset West)
- Wednesday, 1 November, from 9pm until 4am on Thursday, 2 November
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in these areas.
The City also explained that zero-pressure testing and step-testing are done in advance as part of the installation process for its pressure management technology. These tests are conducted to see if any unmapped inflows need to be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves.
As a result, some residents in these affected areas may experience low water pressure, while other residents may experience no water supply during the testing period.
‘It is not possible to predict which areas or streets will experience disruptions,’ added City. ‘Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.’
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Maintenance work: pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements:
Hout Bay
- From 8am until 4pm, daily, from Monday, 30 October to Friday, 3 November
The water supply to various roads in this area will be shut off intermittently during this period to enable the directorate’s maintenance team to safely conduct valve replacements and fire hydrant upgrades.
The City said notices indicated the dates of the affected roads will be circulated in advance and advised residents to keep their taps closed on the day to prevent water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.
Northern parts of the city: Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Joostenbergvlakte and Bellville
- Tuesday, 31 October from 12am until midnight on Wednesday, 1 November
The Wemmershoek Water Treatment Plant will be shut down for maintenance. Residents in these areas are advised to reduce their water consumption during this period.
Large part of Gordon’s Bay (Dobson)
- Thursday, 2 November from 8am to 6pm
The water supply to a large part of Gordon’s Bay bounded by Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Dennehoek Road, Disa Road and the coastline will be shut off to enable the maintenance team to conduct a tie-in on the main water supply to the area.
What residents need to know about larger-scale planned water supply disruptions:
The City says careful consideration has been given to the planning of this work to ensure it is being done at a time that is least disruptive to the water supply.
However, maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than anticipated, resulting in longer-than-expected periods of water supply disruptions.
Additionally, all sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted are deemed to be construction sites and, as such, are off-limits to members of the public.
The City advises that for a short period after the water supply is restored, the water may be discoloured or milky in appearance due to the presence of trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand, the water will become clear in colour again.
How to prepare:
Residents are encouraged to keep taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage, as well as store enough water in clean, sealed containers to last during this period.
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